on the fiscal cliff. because then it would be a different game, i presume. so what is your own chances of us not getting a deal done, how high or low do you raid that? >> i think it's relatively low, but we also have to bear in mind that january 1st is something of a false dead line. government agencies can still spend as if the budget cuts are not going to happen until say later in the year. so i believe that eventually even though there is a chance that you can't disregard the chance of no deal being made, i think within the early months of next year, there's a strong chance of a favorable resolution to the budget deficit. >> ben, thanks for that. the british chancellor george osbourne has defended the government's plan to turn the economy around and rein in spending. >> we have to get control on spending. that's why i'm operating benefits by less than the rate of inflation. that's why i've curbed the tax relief for the largest pensions. but we are making progress. the can deficit is down by 25%. foreca